Hi,

I wondering if it's worth getting ActiveHome as a starting controller. X10 is offering it plus a telephone responder for $29.99. I was thinking of using it to turn some lights on a dusk and then off when I go to bed. Also thought I might use it to turn lights on/off when I'm away for a lived in look.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rob M.

I use it. It is a pretty simple setup compared to some others like Homeseer but for the basics it does a fine job. One thing I did have to do though was put a phase coupler in at the breaker box. All of my switch worked OK from palm pad and maxi controller but would not always work with Activehome interface. After copuler was installed all worked OK.

Well, it's definitely worth $30. No doubt about that. It's biggest flaw is it's inability to keep time accurately over long periods of time. I'm plan on having the computer reset it's clock every month or two.

It's a good introduction to computer controllers. Play with it for a while and it'll give you a better idea of what features you'll want in a more advanced controller. I sold mine on eBay after I'd upgraded.

Larry,

Which one are you using now. What advantages over Activehome

Thanks
Irfan

I have the JDS TimeCommander. Comparing the ActiveHome to the JDS TC is like comparing a pocket calculator to a PC.

Take a look at the JDS web site at http://www.jdstechnologies.com/ It's not a great web site but you'll get the idea. TC's cost a bit over $300.

I just started working with ActiveHome. I ordered a package from x10.com. I had all kinds of trouble with the interface remembering anything. A technician on x10.com's helpline informed me that the software that came with the package was not Y2K compatable. I downloaded the free upgrade and all is fine. Silly me! I thought Y2K problems were old news!

Ed, did you download an upgrade or just a newer, full-blown version?

Thanks

I downloaded a full blown version. Here's the site for the free download:

[Link: x10.com]

It seems that as of June 6, they have a version 1.42 available. I don't know what the difference is. Mine is 1.4 (B2.0.70). Maybe its Windows 2000 compatability?

Hi,

Would appreciate any comments on the viability of using an X10 controller in South Africa or any other country running on 240V. Can the X10 signal still work on the higher voltage. If not, this would render a number of home automation options fairly useless but I have yet to find an alternative. I am based in Cape Town, And I would certainly appreciate any assistance.

Thanks to all who respond!

Thanks Ed,

did you have to uninstall your old version, and did you have to redo all of your settings?

I don't know if I HAD to, but I did uninstall the old version first. I saved my applications though. They work the way they are supposed to with the new version.

Thanks again

Paul,

X10 works perfectly well on 240v. There are lots of us using X10 in the UK without any problems.